Chapter 16: Mandatory Matrimony

The Tian family was taken aback upon hearing this. Chen Feng thought to himself that this was far too blunt and straightforward.

Tian Zhong asked, “Second brother, are you really saying this?”

“As a scholar, naturally I care about the affairs of the court. Of course, it’s true.”

Madam Tian frowned. “If that’s the case, we must quickly find a good family for Xi’er to marry into.”

The second son’s wife immediately spoke up, “Isn’t the Jin family I mentioned earlier a good one? They’re incredibly wealthy, own countless shops in the county seat, have hundreds of acres of fertile land, and even have connections in the county government. Such a family is hard to come by, even if you search with a lantern!”

Lin Feng, who had been watching the commotion quietly, suddenly asked, “If their conditions are so good, why wouldn’t they find a daughter from a prominent family in the county town to marry?”

The second daughter-in-law bristled instantly, “You’re an outsider; it’s best you don’t meddle in our family matters.”

Lin Feng was momentarily stunned. Indeed, she was right—he was an outsider, and he shouldn’t interfere in their affairs. But he didn’t want to be shut down like that; such a response was not in line with Lin the Rogue’s style.

“It’s precisely because I’m an outsider that I can see clearly. As the saying goes, an onlooker sees most of the game! If the son of such a powerful family in the county town marries a girl from a mountain village, it only means two things: first, he’s not marrying her as a legitimate wife but taking her as a concubine. He probably saw Xi’er and, admiring her beauty, decided to take her as a concubine. Second, it’s possible that this Jin family son has a bad reputation—perhaps none of the county town’s daughters want to marry him!”

Lin Feng suddenly thought of himself. Wasn’t he in a similar situation? No young lady in the entire capital of Manchu was willing to marry him; his father had to force him into a marriage, and even then, the lady resisted vehemently.

Tian Zhenggen nodded, “Young brother, you make a good point. Second daughter-in-law, do you know this Jin family son well?”

“I... not really,” the second daughter-in-law’s eyes flickered nervously.

Madam Tian said, “Go find out first. If the Jin son is really as Lin described, then my daughter must not marry him!”

The second daughter-in-law cast a resentful glance at Lin Feng, who was raising his cup to drink. “Even if he has problems, it’s better than being forced to marry a scoundrel, right?”

Madam Tian replied, “Though we are mountain folk, we do not lack food or clothing. My daughter is beautiful; finding a good man won’t be an issue! Tomorrow, let’s inquire in the town or nearby villages to see if there’s a suitable gentleman.”

Xi’er, who had been silent and looking down, suddenly said, “Father, mother... and second brother and sister-in-law, you don’t need to worry about me. I already have someone in mind.”

The whole family froze.

“Who is it? How come I never heard of this?” Madam Tian asked suspiciously.

***

“It’s... I... don’t want to say.”

“What do you mean you don’t want to say? Is it something shameful?” pressed the second daughter-in-law.

“It’s... Li He from the neighboring village,” Xi’er stammered at last.

“Li He, the son of the blacksmith Li?”

Xi’er nodded.

Madam Tian was puzzled. “There are quite a few suitors from nearby villages interested in you. Why would you choose this boy?”

Tian Zhong explained, “The blacksmith Li owns over a dozen acres and makes excellent farming tools. He’s considered relatively wealthy in the neighboring village. Li He is also a scholar, looks clean and gentle, and is said to be taking the county exams this year, aiming to become a xiucai, a provincial scholar. If Xi’er marries him, it’s not a bad match.”

Madam Tian immediately agreed, “Since his conditions are good and Xi’er has feelings for him, let’s choose him. However, we can’t take the initiative; we must wait for Blacksmith Li to send a matchmaker with a betrothal gift...”

“I’ll talk to Li He about it,” Xi’er said promptly.

Madam Tian asked Tian Yun, “Once the engagement is set, even if the marriage isn’t immediate, the authorities probably won’t force the marriage, right?”

“Yes... ow...”

The second daughter-in-law gave Tian Yun’s waist a sharp twist, causing him to grimace in pain.

Madam Tian said firmly, “If his family is willing, have them send the betrothal gift quickly. At least get the engagement settled.”

“Alright, mother.”

Madam Tian looked at Tian Yun, “When you two get to the county seat, save some money. I’ll figure out how to get you some funds later. Studying is important—don’t rush into working; wait until after the autumn exams.”

Tian Yun glanced weakly at his wife and nodded.

The second daughter-in-law asked, “When do you plan to give us the money? My husband needs to study diligently every day; his food and drink can’t be lacking.”

“Very soon!” Madam Tian suddenly looked at Lin Feng. “Young brother, I have a request—would you be willing?”

“Madam Tian, please speak without hesitation.”

“When our eldest son and daughter returned today, they told me how you sold those livestock. I know you’re capable and good at business. I’d like my daughter to learn from you how to conduct business, so she can earn a dowry for the future.”

***

Madam Tian was truly sharp; no wonder she managed the household so well.

She continued, “My daughter can wash clothes and cook, and she’s good at needlework. She could help Little Die with some of the chores.”

Little Die pouted, thinking she didn’t need help.

But Xi’er was indeed much more capable and skillful, and she could write as well, leaving Little Die unable to argue.

“Alright, Madam Tian, have her come help me tomorrow.”

Not only Xi’er but also Liu Xi and Little Die needed proper teaching. Lin Feng didn’t want to do everything himself; he truly needed capable assistants.

The second daughter-in-law finished eating quickly, dissatisfied, and went back to her room, with Tian Yun following closely behind.

The Tian couple said nothing. Though Madam Tian was displeased with the second daughter-in-law, she did not speak harshly—partly because Lin Feng and the others were present, and partly because the couple doted greatly on their second son. They had always left serving tea and pouring wine to the eldest son Tian Zhong or Xi’er, never making the second son and his wife lift a finger.

This was quite normal. Like many dynasties in the previous world, the Great Chu Kingdom gave special privileges to scholars. Moreover, in this mountain village, their second son was the only scholar, naturally standing above others and carrying the hopes of the Tian family’s glory.

Dinner ended quickly. After a long day’s work, everyone was quite tired and went to rest.

The next morning, Lin Feng rose early as usual and decided to go for a morning run.

The mountain village air was incredibly fresh, filled with the natural scent of flowers and grass. A deep breath was truly invigorating.

He ran past the stone bridge, heading west.

To the southeast lay the road to the small town; to the northwest was a mountain, from which the village took its name.

The mountain was lush with trees and wildlife, and abundant medicinal herbs grew there. Beyond the mountain was a dense forest, beside which flowed a river, with an even taller mountain beyond the river.

Spring was warm, and many animals were beginning to stir in the forest.